đ Overview of Tidal Loansâ DSCR Loan Program in Louisiana
Tidal Loans offers investor-focused DSCR loans in Louisianaâdesigned to help you qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income. Whether you’re financing a rental in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or a rural parish, our program is built for flexibility and speed. With no tax returns or W-2s required, you can secure funding for both long-term and short-term rentals across the state.
We offer financing for:
- đ Single-family and 2â4 unit rentals
- đ˘ Multifamily and mixed-use properties
- đ´ Airbnb and VRBO vacation homes
- đž Rural and small-town Louisiana properties
Looking to invest in the New Orleans market? Explore our dedicated DSCR Loan New Orleans page to learn more.
At Tidal Loans, our mission is to empower Louisiana investors with long-term rental loan solutions that make scaling your portfolio easier and fasterâno matter where in Louisiana you invest.
Understanding DSCR Loans in Louisiana
đ What Is a DSCR Loan?
DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratioâa key metric that compares a rental property’s income to its debt payments. A DSCR loan is a popular non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) product that qualifies borrowers based on property cash flow, not personal income or tax returns.
Unlike traditional loans that require personal income verification, DSCR loans evaluate whether the property’s rental income can cover its mortgage, taxes, and insurance. This makes Louisiana DSCR loans ideal for self-employed investors, LLCs, and those scaling rental portfolios.
Whether youâre financing a single-family home in Baton Rouge or a multifamily in Lafayette, our Louisiana DSCR loan program offers:
- â 30-year fixed or interest-only terms
- â No income documentation
- â Approval based on property performance
If youâre ready to build wealth through rental real estate in Louisiana, DSCR loans provide a powerful, flexible financing solution tailored to long-term buy-and-hold investors.
DSCR Ratio and Requirements in Louisiana
How to Calculate DSCR
Calculating the Debt Service Coverage Ratio for a property is straightforward. The formula is: DSCR = Net Operating Income / Total Debt Service.
- Net Operating Income (NOI): For multi-family and commercial properties, this is the annual income remaining after operating expenses. For 1â4 unit rentals, you can use the annual gross rental income (and for short-term rentals, we can use projected annual income based on market rates).
- Total Debt Service: This includes the annual mortgage payments (principal and interest), and often property taxes and insurance if those are escrowed, for the property.
For example, if a rental property in Louisiana generates $1,250 in monthly net income and has $1,000 in monthly mortgage payments, its DSCR would be 1.25. This means the property earns 25% more income than needed to cover the debt. A higher DSCR indicates a stronger ability to cover debt obligations, which generally leads to more favorable loan terms. Most lenders look for a DSCR of at least 1.0 to 1.25.
What Is a Good DSCR Ratio?
A good DSCR is typically 1.25 or above. In other words, a property bringing in at least 25% more income than its debt payments is considered financially healthy. Most traditional lenders require a minimum DSCR of around 1.20â1.25 for investment property loans. However, Tidal Loans takes a more flexible approach for Louisiana investors. We have no strict minimum DSCR requirement for our DSCR Loan Louisiana program. In fact, we can approve loans with DSCR as low as 0.75 (and even below 1.0) under certain conditions. This means even if your propertyâs cash flow is tight or the rent barely covers the mortgage, we can still work with you to fund the deal.
Keep in mind that when the DSCR is below the typical 1.0 threshold, we adjust the loan terms to mitigate risk. For instance, deals with low DSCR might come with a slightly lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (meaning a larger down payment or more equity is required) and a somewhat higher interest rate. These adjustments ensure the loan remains viable. Our goal is to not let strict DSCR rules prevent Louisiana investors from seizing good opportunities. Whether your propertyâs DSCR is 1.50 or 0.90, we strive to find a financing solution that fits.
DSCR Loan Qualifications for Louisiana Investors
At Tidal Loans, we provide DSCR financing for a wide range of Louisiana investment properties, including:
- Single-Family Rentals: From New Orleans cottages to suburban homes.
- 2â4 Unit Properties: Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
- Multifamily Buildings: Apartment complexes and larger residential buildings.
- Mixed-Use & Commercial Properties: Rentals that combine residential and commercial space, as well as standalone commercial rental properties.
- Short-Term Rentals: Vacation homes or Airbnb/VRBO rentals (we can use short-term rental income for qualification).
- Rural Properties: Income-producing rentals in rural parishes are eligible, with no location restrictions within Louisiana.
To qualify for a DSCR Loan in Louisiana, borrowers should meet a few key requirements:
- Minimum Credit Score: 620 (we welcome a wide range of credit profiles; naturally, higher credit can secure better rates).
- Property Condition: The property should be rent-ready or already generating rental income. (An active lease at closing is great but not always required; the property simply needs to be in habitable, rentable condition.)
- Minimum DSCR: ~0.75 or higher. (The higher the DSCR, the better the loan terms. Even if your propertyâs DSCR is below 0.75, we may still fund the deal by adjusting LTV and interest rate as mentioned.)
If your deal falls short on any of these metrics, donât be discouraged â Tidal Loans is known for flexibility. For example, if your credit score is below 620 or the propertyâs DSCR is under 0.75, weâll evaluate on a case-by-case basis and often can structure the loan with some tweaks. Our priority is to help Louisiana investors secure the financing they need, tailoring terms to fit the property’s financials.
đ How to Calculate DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) â and Why It Matters
Knowing how to calculate DSCR is critical when applying for a DSCR loan in Louisianaâbecause this one number helps determine if your rental property qualifies for financing.
The basic DSCR formula is:
DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI) á Annual Debt Service
(Net Operating Income = Rent minus expenses; Debt Service = mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance)
đ Example 1: Rental Property in Baton Rouge, LA
- Annual Net Operating Income: $18,000
- Annual Debt Service: $15,000
- DSCR = $18,000 á $15,000 = 1.20
This means your property generates 20% more income than it costs to finance. Many lenders see 1.20 DSCR as the minimum. At Tidal Loans, weâre flexibleâwe can go as low as 0.75 DSCR for the right deal.
đď¸ Example 2: Suburban Louisiana Rental
- Annual NOI: $12,000
- Annual Debt Service: $12,000
- DSCR = 1.00 â Breakeven
While some lenders might decline this deal, Tidal Loans can still fund itâpossibly by adjusting the rate or requiring a slightly higher down payment.
đ˘ Example 3: High-Performance Multifamily in New Orleans
- Annual NOI: $30,000
- Annual Debt Service: $20,000
- DSCR = 1.50 â Excellent Cash Flow
A 1.50 DSCR indicates the property earns 50% more than it costs to financeâoften qualifying for better rates, especially with our DSCR loan New Orleans options.
â Why DSCR Matters for Louisiana Real Estate Investors
A higher DSCR generally means better loan termsâbut at Tidal Loans, a low DSCR isn’t a deal-breaker. With our flexible underwriting, Louisiana investors can still get approved with lower ratios by adjusting loan terms.
Whether youâre running the numbers on a vacation rental in Lake Charles or a duplex in Shreveport, calculating DSCR helps you understand if the cash flow supports the loanâand lets you plan your next move with confidence.
Benefits of DSCR Loans in Louisiana
Investing in rental properties with a DSCR loan offers numerous benefits for Louisiana investors. DSCR loans are uniquely suited to help you expand your real estate portfolio without the usual hurdles of conventional mortgages. Below are some of the key advantages and features of our DSCR Loan Louisiana programs:
Flexible, Investor-Friendly Financing
Tidal Loansâ DSCR programs are built with real estate investors in mind, providing flexibility that traditional mortgages canât match. We focus on your propertyâs ability to generate income, so you can qualify for financing even if you have multiple mortgages or non-traditional income sources. Whether you need to finance a long-term rental or a vacation rental in a tourist hotspot, our DSCR loans adapt to your strategy. This flexibility simplifies the process of scaling up â from one rental property to dozens â because the approval is based on property cash flow rather than personal debt-to-income ratios.
â Key Features of Our Louisiana DSCR Loan Program
- Our DSCR loan Louisiana options are built for flexibility, speed, and investor successâwhether you’re financing an Airbnb in New Orleans or a duplex in Baton Rouge.
- đ¸ Approval Based on Property Cash Flow
Qualify using rental incomeânot personal income or W-2s. - đ No Tax Returns or Income Verification
Truly asset-based underwriting for hassle-free approvals. - đ°ď¸ No Title Seasoning Required
Refinance shortly after renovation or purchase with no waiting period. - đ Foreign Nationals Welcome
Investors outside the U.S. can qualify with adjusted LTV and reserves. - đ° Low Down Payment
Start with as little as 20% down for purchases, plus closing costs. - đ Interest-Only Options Available
Choose up to 10 years of interest-only payments, then amortize over 20 yearsâno ARM resets. - đ Low DSCR Requirement (or None!)
We fund deals with DSCR as low as 0.75âand even offer no DSCR loan options on select properties. - đ Second Lien DSCR Loans Available
Unlock equity without refinancing your first mortgage. Our DSCR 2nd mortgage loans let you scale using second-position financing based on property cash flow. - đ Credit Score Flexibility
Qualify with FICO scores as low as 620. - đ Short-Term Rental Financing (Airbnb & VRBO)
We use short-term market rentânot long-term leasesâfor STR qualification. - đ˛ Rural Properties Funded Statewide
We finance rural and farmland properties across Louisiana with no restrictions. - đ˘ Close in an LLC or Business Name
Protect your credit and scale fasterâour loans donât appear on your personal credit report. - đď¸ Vacant & Unleased Properties Welcome
As long as itâs rent-ready, we can fundâeven without an active lease. - đď¸ Non-Warrantable Condos Allowed
We finance non-warrantable units with minor LTV adjustments. - đ First-Time Investors Encouraged
No experience? No problem. We work with new investors across Louisiana every day.
These features make DSCR loans one of the best financing tools for real estate investors. Instead of jumping through hoops to prove personal income or limiting your growth based on your salary, you can leverage the strength of each property’s cash flow. This approach is ideal for building a large rental portfolio in Louisianaâs diverse markets â from city condos to country homes. By taking advantage of DSCR loan benefits, you keep your personal finances separate and unlock scalable growth backed by the performance of your investments.
DSCR Loans for Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb) in Louisiana
Louisiana has booming short-term rental markets, and Tidal Loans is a leader in providing Airbnb financing through DSCR loans. We understand that vacation rentals and Airbnb properties can be incredibly profitable, but traditional lenders often shy away due to irregular income or the lack of long-term lease agreements. Our approach is different: we embrace the short-term rental income model and have tailored our DSCR Loan Louisiana program to fit it.
If youâre purchasing a cabin near Lake Charles to list on Airbnb, or a condo in the French Quarter for short-term corporate rentals, our DSCR loan will consider the projected short-term rental income when assessing the deal. We know that peak-season rates in tourist destinations like New Orleans or Baton Rouge can far exceed typical long-term rents, so we factor those higher income potentials into your DSCR calculation. This means you can qualify based on what your property could earn as a vacation rental, rather than being limited to a market rate for a 12-month lease.
Why Choose Tidal Loans for Your Airbnb Investments?
- 30-Year Fixed-Rate Stability: Get the peace of mind of a long-term fixed rate, even for properties you rent nightly or weekly. No adjustable-rate surprises â just one stable payment for the life of the loan.
- Use Vacation Rental Income: We allow short-term rental income (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) to count toward your cash flow for qualification. This means those high seasonal rents and occupancy rates you expect can help you qualify for a larger loan or better terms.
- Designed for Airbnb Hosts: Our loan process addresses the unique challenges of short-term rentals. We understand things like occupancy fluctuations, management costs, and seasonality. Youâll be working with a lender who gets the Airbnb business model, not one who penalizes you for it.
- Top-Tier Airbnb Lender: Tidal Loans is a nationally recognized private lender for short-term rental loans, so Louisiana investors benefit from our extensive experience. We move quickly and understand the urgency of capturing popular Airbnb properties when they hit the market.
- Short-Term Rental Hotspots: Whether your investment is in New Orleansâ vibrant Airbnb market, the historic districts of Baton Rouge, the Lake Charles cabin rentals, or near attractions like Bourbon Street, we support financing in all these short-term rentalâfriendly locations. Our coverage is statewide, so no region in Louisiana is off-limits.
- Simplified âBuy & Holdâ for STRs: Our DSCR loans make it straightforward to buy and hold a vacation rental. With minimal paperwork and a focus on property income, you can acquire your next Airbnb property with confidence and less hassle, then continue to refinance or expand as your rental income grows.
Secure Your Next Airbnb Property with Confidence
Our Airbnb-friendly DSCR financing gives Louisiana investors the confidence to expand into lucrative short-term rental markets. By aligning the loan with your propertyâs actual income potential (instead of ignoring it, as many banks do), we ensure that your loan structure matches your investment strategy. If youâre crunching the numbers on a potential Airbnb and worried that a traditional lender wonât give you credit for those high nightly rates, bring your deal to Tidal Loans. Weâll work with you to structure a loan that captures the full earning power of your property. In short, we help you maximize cash flow and build a profitable short-term rental portfolio without the usual roadblocks. When youâre ready to purchase that next Airbnb or vacation rental in Louisiana, our team is here to make the financing side smooth and efficient.
đ¤ Tidal Loans â Louisianaâs Trusted Private DSCR Lender
Tidal Loans is a direct private lender for DSCR loans in Louisiana, serving both new and seasoned real estate investors across the state. Since 2016, weâve helped clients finance rental properties in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and beyondâoffering fast closings, no-income verification, and a team that truly understands the Louisiana market.
Unlike big banks, we underwrite in-house and move quicklyâoften issuing DSCR loan pre-approvals within 24 hours. We evaluate the property’s cash flow, not your personal income, making us the go-to lender for self-employed investors, LLCs, and clients pursuing BRRRR strategies or short-term rentals.
Whether you’re buying a duplex in Baton Rouge or refinancing an Airbnb near Lake Charles, our DSCR loan Louisiana program offers:
- đ No income docs, tax returns, or W-2s required
- đ Cash-out refinances with no seasoning required
- đď¸ Airbnb and short-term rental income allowed
- đ Second lien DSCR loans to unlock equity without refinancing your first mortgage
- đ 30-year fixed and interest-only options
We know Louisianaâs rental marketsâfrom the cash flow potential of a fixer-upper in Shreveport to the rental ROI of a multifamily in Lafayette. Our goal? Help you scale quickly, finance confidently, and grow your portfolio with a trusted lending partner at your side.
đ DSCR Loan Louisiana â Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a DSCR loan and how does it work in Louisiana?
A: A DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan) is a mortgage for rental properties where approval is based on the propertyâs incomeânot the borrowerâs. If the rent covers the debt payments (typically a DSCR of 1.0 or higher), you’re eligible. Tidal Loans allows DSCRs as low as 0.75 and even lower with adjusted terms, making this an ideal option for investors with multiple properties, 1099 income, or LLCs.
Q: How do I qualify for a DSCR loan in Louisiana?
A: To qualify, youâll need:
- A rent-ready property (or strong short-term rental income projections)
- A credit score of 620+
- A down payment of 20%+ or equivalent equity for refis
- A DSCR of 0.75 or higher (higher DSCR = better terms)
You donât need tax returns, pay stubs, or employment historyâjust solid rental cash flow.
Q: Can I use a DSCR loan for an Airbnb or vacation rental in Louisiana?
A: Yes. We specialize in Airbnb DSCR loans in Louisiana and use projected short-term rental income to qualify your loan. Whether itâs a cabin near Lake Charles, a beach rental in Grand Isle, or a downtown New Orleans condo, we evaluate short-term rental income using AirDNA, appraiser comps, or historical data. Our loans are structured with the unique seasonality and income patterns of STRs in mind.
Q: What are typical DSCR loan rates in Louisiana?
A: DSCR loan interest rates are typically slightly higher than owner-occupied mortgages but highly competitive for investment properties. Rates vary based on:
- DSCR ratio
- Credit score
- Property type and LTV
We offer fixed rates, interest-only periods, and rate quotes within 24 hours of application.
Q: How much can I borrow with a DSCR loan?
A: Loan amounts range from $100,000 to several million. We fund everything from single-family rentals to large apartment buildings. Maximum LTV is typically 75â80%, based on DSCR and property value. For example:
- A $300K rental in Baton Rouge = up to ~$240K loan
- A $1.5M apartment in New Orleans = up to ~$1.2M (with strong rent rolls)
Q: Do you offer second lien DSCR loans?
A: Yes! Tidal Loans offers DSCR second mortgages in Louisiana. These allow you to access equity on a property without disturbing a low first-lien interest rate. Great for portfolio expansion, renovation capital, or BRRRR strategies.
đ Ready to Apply for a DSCR Loan in Louisiana?
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or expanding your short-term rental portfolio, Tidal Loans makes it simple. We fund DSCR loans across Louisianaâfast, flexibly, and with investor-friendly terms.
đ Apply Now or request your free DSCR FREE QUOTE
